Sadhguru invested in online firm? Bengaluru woman falls for AI-generated deepfake video, loses Rs 3.75 crore

The woman was tricked into investing in an online trading platform when a deepfake video of the spiritual leader stated that he had been trading with an online trading firm

Bengaluru: A 57-year-old resident of CV Raman Nagar was duped of Rs 3.75 crore by fraudsters who allegedly used an AI-generated deepfake video of spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev, popularly known as Sadhguru. 

The victim, Varsha Gupta, unaware of deepfake technology, was tricked into investing in an online trading platform when a deepfake video of the spiritual leader stated that he had been trading with an online trading firm, and that by clicking on the link provided and making a payment of USD 250, one could greatly improve their finances. The link also asked for a name, email address and phone number. 

Once she had submitted her details, she was contacted by a representative from Mirrox App from multiple UK-based numbers and various email addresses, guiding her through the trading process, Varsha stated in her complaint with the police. She was also asked to download the Mirrox application. 

Between February 25 and April 23 this year, the woman invested a total of Rs 3,75,72,121 from her bank accounts onto the trading platform application, and only realised she was duped when she was unable to withdraw the profits. 

Following her complaint, an FIR was filed on September 9. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and section 318 (4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. 

The matter is being investigated, police said.